Physician Assistants
Provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. Conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. May, in some cases, prescribe medication. Must graduate from an accredited educational program for physician assistants.
Physician Assistants earn a median of $65.33/hr — about $136,000 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $47.78/hr; the top 10% earn $91.48/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)
What you'd actually do
- Make tentative diagnoses and decisions about management and treatment of patients.
- Interpret diagnostic test results for deviations from normal.
- Prescribe therapy or medication with physician approval.
- Obtain, compile, and record patient medical data, including health history, progress notes, and results of physical examination.
- Examine patients to obtain information about their physical condition.
- Administer or order diagnostic tests, such as x-ray, electrocardiogram, and laboratory tests.
How you get there
Typical entry-level education: Master's degree. Overall preparation: extensive preparation (Job Zone 5 of 5).
The feel of the work
The work is mostly indoors; you're around people constantly; time pressure is a real part of the job; it rewards working independently; precision matters — small details carry weight. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)
Working for yourself
About 1.5% of physician assistants are self-employed.
Who it tends to fit
This work tends to fit people who are people-focused, analytical and organized and detail-focused.
Work a simulated shift in this job — freeMake the real decisions this job involves, then see what your choices say about you.Related careers
Quick questions
- How much does a physician assistant make?
- The median pay is $65.33 per hour — roughly $136,000 a year, with the real range running from about $47.78/hr (10th percentile) to $91.48/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Do you need a degree to be a physician assistant?
- The typical entry-level education is: Master's degree. Overall preparation level: extensive preparation (Job Zone 5 of 5).
- What does a physician assistant actually do all day?
- Make tentative diagnoses and decisions about management and treatment of patients. Interpret diagnostic test results for deviations from normal. Prescribe therapy or medication with physician approval.
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